Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson says the field of gubernatorial candidates could become even more crowded before the end of the month.
"The field is not set," Abramson told The State Journal. "I think we could see two to three more candidates announce before the gun goes off."
Abramson addressed the Frankfort Rotary Club on Wednesday and discussed a number of issues, including education reform and economic growth. He also took questions on politics and gambling from members of the audience and reporters after he was finished speaking.
Jan. 30 is the filing deadline for candidates in the race for the governors office, and Abramson had considered making a bid himself. So far, only four candidates have filed the necessary paper work to run for governor, including Paducah businessman Republican Billy Harper, Democrat Otis Hensley, former Democratic Lt. Gov. Steve Beshear and Gov. Ernie Fletcher. State Treasurer Jonathan Miller has announced he will run with Jefferson County Attorney Irv Maze as well.
Abramson said any of the Democratic contenders would be a strong candidate in the general election. He said its neither good nor bad that the field is already crowded and could become more so.
"Its just a fact," Abramson said.
Fletcher recently announced that he has raised more than $1.6 million for his war chest and hired a veteran manager to run his campaign. Abramson said although Fletcher has experienced a number of political setbacks, he would still be a strong candidate in the general election.
"He should not be taken lightly," Abramson said.
A number of elected officials and political experts have speculated that former U.S. Rep. Anne Northup could challenge Fletcher in the primary. Northup lost to her Democratic opponent, John Yarmuth, in the 2006 election. Abramson said he has heard the same speculation, but has not discussed the topic with Northup herself.
Abramson did discuss the issue of providing expanded opportunities for gambling in Kentucky. A member of the audience asked Abramson what kind of social and economic impact the Indiana-based riverboat casinos have had upon Louisville. Abramson said he had not seen any negative social effects, but said the casinos were draining much-needed tax-dollars out of Kentucky.
"All the roads in Indiana have been paved, and all the schools have been rebuilt with Kentucky dollars," he said. "We are the big losers."
When he has attended special events at the casino, Abramson said, 80 percent of the cars in the parking lot have displayed Kentucky license plates. He said he would support any proposal that would help keep the gambling revenues in Kentucky.
"I dont care if its downtown or at the racetracks or at a casino," Abramson said. "Whatever passes is the way it should be."
At least one bill has been filed in the Kentucky Senate that would amend the Constitution and provide for additional gambling opportunities. However, Abramson said the issue will probably not be a hot topic during the short legislative session, which reconvenes in February.
"Theres just not enough momentum," he said. "It would take a full session to really roll out the vote the people in Kentucky would have to undertake."
Although the gambling issue is very relevant to county governments along the Ohio River, Abramson said it would be difficult to convey the relevancy to residents further inland. He said they dont see every day how the casino revenues are leaving Kentucky and benefiting communities in other states.
"We have to carry the message to them," Abramson said.